When homeowners begin thinking about exterior home improvements, they often start with the more glamorous visions of finished hardscapes, flowers, bedding, and the like. Those with less exterior renovations experience may gloss right over the topic of water drainage when planning things like concrete patios, driveways, slabs, and other outdoor structures built into the land. 

We wish we could say that neglecting to consider water drainage is only a minor blunder, but that isn’t always the case. Even with water management on the property, a poorly designed (or poorly maintained) drainage system could still contribute to damage of the home’s foundation, landscaping, and the overall structural integrity of your property. That’s why it is important to consider waterflow throughout the course of any exterior home renovations – concrete included.

For homeowners, water damage can become particularly costly when it affects the home’s foundation. Excess water can cause the foundation to shift, which can lead to cracks, leaks, and other structural issues. Additionally, standing water can cause damage to landscaping and create a breeding ground for insects, which can be a nuisance to homeowners.

Issues with water drainage could have a number of sources and solutions. If we had to name a few, then we definitely wouldn’t skip on these:

• Existing Drainage Solutions Clogged, Malfunctioning, or Nonexistent
• Landscape & Elevation
• Soil Density

The list of issues that could pile up from water drainage? Much. longer.

• • Pooling Water
  • Erosion
  • Insect Breeding
  • Damaged Plants and Landscaping
  • Foundation Cracks, Leaking, etc.
  • Mold
  • Flooding
• Washout

Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions at your disposal when it comes to managing water drainage on your property. If you’re considering a concrete project in the near future, then you may want to think about implementing a clean, well-designed drainage system as well. Although well-managed concrete construction should always consider the flow of water on the property, solid hardscapes are often a dramatic alteration to the landscape. In addition to integrated solutions, you might consider installing a french drainage system, strategically designed rock beds, and yard drains. However, it is important to maintain lawn drainage systems, as they can quickly become clogged by dirt and debris, or damaged by plants or animals.

By installing drainage systems in or around your concrete structure – like channel drains, catch basins, and strategically placed sloping – you can take back control of your property and get the water flowing in the right direction. 

Questions about water management for your concrete?